YASMIN Heesom told today of her hopes she will walk again after making "miraculous" progress in New York in her battle against multiple sclerosis.

The York mother is undergoing intensive complementary treatment at the Schachter Centre in a desperate bid to beat her crippling pain.

Within a week of her arrival, the 39-year-old had become more alert, her voice was clearer and her pain was considerably reduced.

And the clinic told her she might eventually be able to get out of her wheelchair and walk again.

Her trip plunged into crisis on Wednesday night when she suffered a dramatic relapse - possibly because of an allergic reaction to one form of treatment - and she had to be rushed into hospital.

But by yesterday she had made an astonishing recovery, and told the Evening Press: "It's really brilliant. I'm feeling quite positive."

Her carer, Debbie Walker, said: "It's like a miracle. She has never had a relapse like that and come out of it like this before. She has always been in hospital for one or two weeks afterwards. I just can't believe what's happening."

Yasmin launched a fund-raising drive last spring after reading in the Evening Press how cancer victim Gail Hepworth, from Hemingbrough, had dramatically controlled her pain through treatment at the clinic. Dame Judi Dench backed the appeal with a £500 donation.

Yasmin flew out on Monday last week, and was given first class treatment by British Airways to ease the strain of the journey - with the cabin crew applauding her as she left the plane.

"She was absolutely shattered when she got here," said Debbie. "She was out of it."

But by last weekend, Debbie started to notice an improvement in Yasmin's condition - and wept tears of joy.

She said the treatment had been very wide-ranging and intensive.

Yasmin had been taking 20 different vitamins, nutrients, hormones and enzymes, with intravenous drips of vitamin B5, B6 and B12 plus 12 minerals.

"She has been having mind and body therapy, acupressure and acupuncture. She has had blood tests, urine tests and an ECG and bone density assessments."

Gail Hepworth's husband, Dave, said: "It's great news. We're really thrilled for her."

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, April 21, 2001